This Week at TravelGolf.com: Nov. 30, 2004

In the days after Thanksgiving, I usually spend some time getting reacquainted with the couch, putting off the shopping season as long as possible. So, of course, there's a lot of television involved. Plenty of movies, countless hours of college football, and even a few reality shows. One thing I made a point to avoid: The Skins Game.

For me, the Skins Game ranks next to exhibition football and women's basketball. I'll watch it if nothing else is on, and then for only a short time. Others look forward to the Skins Game for months, including our own TravelGolf.com blogger Jason Scott. "I probably enjoy more made-for-TV golf events than most actual PGA Tour events," he writes. "I'll take the Battle of Bighorn and the Skins Game over the Honda Classic any day of the week."

Clearly Scott had too much Thanksgiving turkey. Knock the Honda Classic if you must, but at least there's open competition with multiple storylines. The Skins Game is nothing more than the rich getting richer. In a week where we should be talking about Phil Mickelson's 59 at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, we're wasting our energy on a tired event that's over-produced and short on any real drama ("Oh, my, what will Tiger do if he misses this putt for $300,000?"). Am I wrong? Let us know your thoughts on any topic, including the Skins Game and Lefty's roller-coaster year. Have a great week.

Piñon Hills: Dye's desert gem
is still drawing links vagabonds

Reportedly built for a prudent $2.5 million back in 1989, Piñon Hills was designed by Ken Dye and has been almost legendary for its affordable excellence. This New Mexico gem rolls out to 7,249 yards from the tips at par 72. According to senior writer David R. Holland, "This is a must-play for those wanting to experience the best golf courses in the U.S.".

Full story | New Mexico golf courses

Of rankings and ratings

Armchair Architect Derek Duncan checks in with some number crunching, observations, and random thoughts on the Top 100 (modern) courses lists. "The magazine rankings verify that the canon of classic courses remains relatively constant, but their breakdown of modern architecture indicates are both telling and turbulent," he writes.

Full story | On monster golf courses

The Millennium Resort has
golf and prickly pear margaritas

The Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch advertises itself as Scottsdale's "only lakeside boutique resort." The lake is manmade but a higher power fashioned the mountains that loom over the resort -- both the McDowell and Camelback Mountains. If you're looking to play Western-style golf, you might want to check out this charming resort.

Full story | Arizona golf course guide